BIOS 256 Week 6 Case Study: Reproductive System Required Resources

Name

Chamberlain University

BIOS-256 Anatomy & Physiology IV with Lab

Prof. Name

Date

Case Study: Reproductive System

Required Resources

Read/review the following resources for this activity:

Textbook
Weekly Concepts
Minimum of 1 scholarly source

Scenario/Summary

History:

A 26-year-old woman has not had menses for the past 3 months. She is not using contraception.

Physical:

Her BMI is 28, which indicates she is overweight. She has moderate acne on her face and an increased amount of dark hair above her lips and on her chest.

Labs:

A pregnancy test was negative. Prolactin, FSH, and thyroid tests are normal, while LH and testosterone are mildly elevated.

Assessment:

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is suspected, causing hirsutism (increased hair growth over the body), anovulation (lack of ovulation), and infrequent menses.

Deliverables

Answer the following questions based on the scenario and article above. Save your responses in a Microsoft Word document, and provide a scholarly resource in APA format to support your answers.

1. Describe 3 Effects of Estrogen on the Body

Estrogen has several key roles in the body. In the reproductive tract, estrogen helps regulate the menstrual cycle by stimulating the growth of the egg follicle in the ovaries and enhancing the mucous membrane lining of the uterus. It also regulates the flow and consistency of uterine mucus secretions. Outside the reproductive system, estrogen plays a role in the development of breast tissue, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, and helps stop milk production after weaning. Additionally, estrogen affects skin, hair, bones, the urinary tract, and brain function.

2. Describe 3 Effects of Testosterone on the Body

Testosterone is primarily known for sustaining the male reproductive system, influencing sperm production and libido. In terms of muscular development, testosterone promotes protein synthesis and prevents muscle degradation, which leads to muscular hypertrophy. Testosterone also plays a role in erythropoiesis by enhancing iron use in red blood cell production. Luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates the production of testosterone in the testes, and when testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are balanced, sperm production is optimized.

3. Predict the Consequences of Not Having Menses Due to Anovulation, Including the Effect on the Endometrial Lining

Anovulation can lead to subfertility, as ovulation is necessary for conception. Without regular ovulation, the endometrial lining may not shed properly, leading to an abnormal buildup of estrogen, which thickens the lining. This can result in abnormal uterine bleeding and potentially increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which can develop into cancer if untreated.

4. Why Was a Prolactin Level Checked? Name 2 Symptoms a Patient with a High Prolactin Level May Have

Prolactin levels are often checked to help diagnose prolactinoma, a type of pituitary gland tumor, or to investigate the cause of menstrual irregularities and infertility. Elevated prolactin can lead to symptoms such as irregular or absent menstrual periods and milky discharge from the breasts (galactorrhea). Other possible symptoms include loss of interest in sex and infertility.

5. Research and List 2 Other Problems a Person with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) May Have

Women with PCOS may experience a variety of symptoms beyond irregular menstrual cycles. These can include excess male hormone (androgen) levels, which result in conditions like hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face, chin, and body), acne, and male-pattern baldness. Another common issue is insulin resistance, which can lead to weight gain and difficulty losing weight, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Table of Effects

Question	Effects/Details
1. Effects of Estrogen	– Stimulates egg follicle growth
	– Enhances uterine lining
	– Regulates breast tissue development
2. Effects of Testosterone	– Supports sperm production
	– Promotes muscle hypertrophy
	– Increases iron utilization for red blood cell production
3. Consequences of Anovulation on Menses	– Subfertility
	– Endometrial lining thickening
	– Risk of abnormal uterine bleeding
4. Symptoms of Elevated Prolactin	– Irregular or absent menstrual periods
	– Galactorrhea (milky breast discharge)
5. Additional PCOS-Related Issues	– Hirsutism (excessive hair growth)
	– Insulin resistance leading to weight gain

References

England, C. N. (2021). Anovulation. Women & Infants. Retrieved August 10, 2021, from https://fertility.womenandinfants.org/services/women/anovulation

Estrogen’s Effects on the Female Body. (2021). Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved August 10, 2021, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/estrogens-effects-on-the-female-body

Prolactinoma. (2021, August 10). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/prolactinoma

BIOS 256 Week 6 Case Study: Reproductive System Required Resources

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2019, April 1). Polycystic ovary syndrome. Office of Women’s Health. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome